The first Elizabeth did so well, getting all those Oscar nominations.
It was a surprise. I mean, it was a very risky endeavor when we were doing it — it was a part-Bollywood film.
So coming into the fall, are you feeling like people have high expectations for this film because the first did so well?
That's the nerve-wracking thing. When there are expectations, you get worried that a film's getting built up.
Meanwhile, congratulations on winning Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for Todd Haynes' film I'm Not There.
Oh, wasn't that cool? I was so thrilled. And I wasn't there; I was off making the Spielberg [film, Indiana Jones 4]. I'm thrilled that Todd won the jury prize and that Brad [Pitt] won Best Actor.
I'm Not There has multiple actors playing different versions of Bob Dylan, but everyone seems to be focused on your interpretation.
I don't know why. It's an ensemble film. I think I probably play the most iconic silhouette, but I think what Heath [Ledger] has done, and Richard Gere, Marcus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw — they're all amazing. We're all playing facets of the same character. One couldn't exist without the other. It really is an ensemble.
So you feel more like you're sharing your award, then, with your other actors?
Oh, absolutely. And it's Todd's vision. We're all there because of Todd I wish I could see how it plays [in Toronto on Tuesday], but I've got to go back to work tomorrow.
Speaking of, what can you tell me about the Indiana Jones film?
It's phenomenal to be working with Harrison Ford and Spielberg and Karen Allen, all of whom were in one of the most amazing experiences of my childhood, watching that film. And then I'm stepping into the frame. It's a real Zelig moment for me. It was really quite moving when Karen filmed her first entry into the film the other day. You know, Spielberg said, ''I feel so young!'' [Laughs] It was fantastic.
And what is the Spielberg experience?
Look, he's an absolute master. He knows the genre like the back of his hand, and he makes fantastic suggestions. He's really fast and incredibly creative. Like, if a shot's not working, he'd completely change it and do something equally as amazing. And it's weird, because I feel like I know all the movies as an audience [member]. I know all the lighting, I know all the elements. But it's coming together in a new way. And Harrison looks f---ing great.
